To ensure the safety of vehicle occupants, seat belts must be worn at all times. During collisions, seat belts keep passengers from moving around in the car. They also keep drivers in place, preventing loss of control of the vehicle. Most importantly, seat belts keep passengers inside the vehicle during a collision, rather than being thrown out through the windshield or door onto the pavement.

In order for seat belts to work, they must be worn correctly. The same goes for child seats, which should be installed correctly.

Proper use of seat belt

  • Buckle the seat belt, making sure that the latch clicks firmly into place.
  • If your vehicle has an adjustable shoulder belt anchorage, make sure that it fits snugly across your chest and over the shoulder.
  • Seat belts should be worn and properly adjusted as described in the owner’s manual.
  • When installing child passenger restraints, follow manufacturer’s instructions at all times.

Common types of seat belt misuse

  • Placing the lap belt across the abdomen, instead of low across the hips can result in serious injuries to the abdominal organs.
  • Placing the shoulder belt underneath the arm allows excessive forward motion of the head and chest. This can result in injury from bodily contact with the vehicle interior.
  • Wearing the lap belt or shoulder belt loosely can result in bodily impact with the vehicle interior. This may also cause the vehicle occupant to slip under the lap belt. As a result, the force will be applied to the abdomen, instead of the pelvis.

Not all seat belts are alike; make sure to familiarize yourself on how to use them properly before driving off. This could be the five minutes that could save your life.

Sources:

http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1001975&pagename=CHN-RCS%2FCHNResource%2FFAQCHNResourceTemplate&lang=En&c=CHNResource

http://www.gov.ns.ca/tran/highwayops/seatbelt.asp

http://www.carsp.ca/belt_use.htm